Numbers 14:9

KJV

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they [are] bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD [is] with us: fear them not.

KJV (with Strong's)

Only rebel {H4775} not ye against the LORD {H3068}, neither fear {H3372} ye the people {H5971} of the land {H776}; for they are bread {H3899} for us: their defence {H6738} is departed {H5493} from them, and the LORD {H3068} is with us: fear {H3372} them not.

Complete Jewish Bible

Just don't rebel against ADONAI. And don't be afraid of the people living in the land - we'll eat them up! Their defense has been taken away from them, and ADONAI is with us! Don't be afraid of them!"

Berean Standard Bible

Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!”

American Standard Version

Only rebel not against Jehovah, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is removed from over them, and Jehovah is with us: fear them not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 14:9 stands as a powerful exhortation from Caleb and Joshua, urging the fearful Israelites to trust in God's unfailing presence and power rather than succumbing to the daunting reports of the Canaanites. It serves as a direct challenge to the nation's burgeoning rebellion, asserting that the inhabitants of the Promised Land, despite their formidable appearance, are divinely disarmed and present no true threat to a people accompanied by the Almighty. This verse encapsulates a pivotal moment of choice between faith and fear, obedience and rebellion, with profound implications for Israel's destiny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 14:9 is situated at a critical juncture in the book of Numbers, immediately following the spies' reconnaissance mission to Canaan. In [Numbers 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent to Canaan"), Moses sent twelve leaders, one from each tribe, to scout the land. Ten of these spies returned with a disheartening report, emphasizing the strength of the inhabitants, their fortified cities, and the presence of giants, leading the congregation to weep and despair (e.g., [Numbers 13:28-33](/numbers/13-28 "Numbers 13:28-33 - The Spies' Fearful Report")). This negative report ignited a spirit of rebellion among the people, who began to grumble against Moses and Aaron, even proposing to appoint a new leader and return to Egypt ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion")). In stark contrast, Caleb and Joshua, two of the twelve spies, tore their clothes in distress and passionately appealed to the people, urging them to trust in the LORD and enter the land ([Numbers 14:6-8](/numbers/14-6 "Numbers 14:6-8 - Caleb and Joshua's Plea")). Verse 9 is the climactic statement of their courageous and faithful plea, directly confronting the people's fear and rebellion with a declaration of God's assured victory.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were a newly liberated slave nation, recently delivered from Egyptian bondage through a series of miraculous interventions by Yahweh. They had experienced God's provision in the wilderness, including manna and water, and had received the Law at Mount Sinai, establishing their covenant relationship with God. Their journey was intended to lead them directly into the land of Canaan, promised to their patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Canaanites, a diverse group of peoples inhabiting the land, were known for their fortified cities and often-brutal pagan religious practices, including child sacrifice. From a human perspective, conquering such a land with a largely untrained populace seemed impossible. Culturally, fear of powerful, established nations was natural, and the concept of a divine warrior leading a nation into battle was understood in the ancient Near East, but Israel's unique covenant with the LORD meant His presence guaranteed victory, regardless of the enemy's might. The people's reaction reflects a deep-seated slave mentality and a lack of faith in the face of perceived overwhelming odds, despite having witnessed God's power repeatedly.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch as a whole. Foremost is the theme of **Faith vs. Fear**, where Caleb and Joshua directly challenge the people's fear of human adversaries with an unwavering call to trust in God's superior power and presence. This stands in stark contrast to the **Consequences of Disobedience and Rebellion**, as the people's lack of faith and their desire to turn back constitute a direct rejection of God's covenant promises and commands, ultimately leading to severe judgment (as detailed later in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - God's Judgment and Israel's Wanderings")). The verse also underscores the theme of **Divine Presence and Protection**, with the emphatic declaration "the LORD is with us" serving as the ultimate assurance of victory. This highlights God's active involvement in the lives of His people and His commitment to fulfilling His promises. Finally, the phrase "their defence is departed from them" introduces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**, indicating that God can supernaturally remove the strength and protection of human enemies, rendering them vulnerable before His chosen people. This reinforces the idea that true power resides with the LORD, not with human armies or fortifications.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bread (לֶחֶם, _lekhem_):** The Hebrew word _lekhem_ literally means "bread" or "food." In this context, the phrase "they are bread for us" is a vivid and powerful metaphor. It does not imply cannibalism but rather signifies that conquering the Canaanites would be as easy and satisfying as consuming a meal. It conveys the idea of an effortless victory, ready provision, and complete vulnerability of the enemy when God is on Israel's side. This stands in stark contrast to the fearful spies' report that the giants would "devour" Israel ([Numbers 13:32](/numbers/13-32 "Numbers 13:32 - The Spies' Fearful Report")). Caleb and Joshua turn the metaphor of consumption on its head, asserting Israel's dominance through God's power.
* **Defence (צֵל, _tsel_):** The Hebrew word _tsel_ literally means "shade" or "shadow." In ancient Near Eastern thought, "shade" often symbolized protection, shelter, or refuge, especially from the scorching sun or from enemies. For example, one might "take refuge in the shadow of the LORD" (e.g., [Psalm 91:1](/psalm/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in the Shelter of the Most High")). Therefore, "their defence is departed from them" means that their divine or inherent protection, their strength, their covering, or their ability to withstand attack has been removed. It implies that God has withdrawn any favor or protection from the Canaanites, leaving them exposed and vulnerable to Israel.
* **LORD (יְהוָה, _YHWH_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal covenant name of God, often translated as "Yahweh." Its use here is highly significant. It emphasizes that the God who is with Israel is not a generic deity but the specific, covenant-keeping God who delivered them from Egypt, provided for them in the wilderness, and promised them the land. His presence signifies His faithfulness, power, and commitment to His people. The assurance "the LORD is with us" is the foundational premise for Caleb and Joshua's confidence and the ultimate reason why Israel should not fear.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Only rebel not ye against the LORD":** This is a direct, urgent command against disobedience and mistrust. The "rebellion" here is not just an act of defiance but a profound lack of faith in God's promises and power, manifested in their refusal to enter the land and their desire to return to Egypt. It highlights the spiritual gravity of their fear, equating it with an act of rebellion against the very God who redeemed them.
* **"neither fear ye the people of the land":** This is a correlative command, directly addressing the source of their rebellion – fear. Caleb and Joshua understand that the people's fear of the Canaanites is a symptom of their deeper fear of God's inability or unwillingness to fulfill His promises. This command urges them to overcome their human-centric fear by focusing on God's omnipotence.
* **"for they [are] bread for us":** This clause provides the first reason for not fearing. It is a powerful metaphor asserting the utter vulnerability of the Canaanites. Their conquest will be easy and satisfying, like consuming a meal. It directly counters the fearful spies' report of "giants" and "devouring" enemies ([Numbers 13:32](/numbers/13-32 "Numbers 13:32 - The Spies' Fearful Report")), re-framing the enemy as an object of easy victory.
* **"their defence is departed from them":** This provides the second reason for not fearing, explaining *why* the Canaanites are "bread." It indicates a divine act: God has removed their protection, their strength, or their ability to withstand Israel. This implies God's sovereign hand is at work, weakening the enemy and ensuring Israel's success. It suggests that the Canaanites, despite their physical might, lack divine favor and are therefore vulnerable.
* **"and the LORD [is] with us":** This is the ultimate and most foundational reason for Israel's confidence. It is the theological bedrock of Caleb and Joshua's argument. The presence of Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God, guarantees victory. His active presence means His power, protection, and faithfulness are fully engaged on behalf of His people, rendering any human enemy inconsequential.
* **"fear them not":** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful reiteration and summary of the central command. It underscores the core message of faith over fear, bringing the exhortation to a decisive close. It is a direct, emphatic call to courage rooted in divine assurance.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 14:9 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "they are bread for us." This vivid imagery transforms the formidable Canaanites into something easily consumed and overcome, directly challenging the fearful narrative of the other spies. The verse also employs **Antithesis**, contrasting the Israelites' potential rebellion and fear with the call to trust and courage. The "rebel not" and "fear not" commands are set against the reality of God's presence and the enemy's vulnerability. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Repetition** for emphasis, beginning with "neither fear ye" and concluding with "fear them not," driving home the central imperative to overcome fear through faith. The structure of the argument, moving from command ("rebel not," "fear not") to supporting reasons ("for they are bread," "their defence is departed," "the LORD is with us"), demonstrates a logical and persuasive **Rhetorical Appeal** designed to inspire confidence and obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 14:9 is a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the nature of faith. It teaches that true courage stems not from human strength or favorable circumstances, but from an unwavering reliance on God's character and promises. The Israelites' failure to heed Caleb and Joshua's words resulted in forty years of wilderness wandering, demonstrating the severe consequences of unbelief and rebellion against God's clear will. Conversely, the verse highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people falter. His presence is the ultimate guarantee of victory, rendering all human threats insignificant. This principle transcends the historical context, serving as a timeless reminder that God's people are called to walk by faith, not by sight, trusting that His presence negates all opposition.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The LORD Is My Light and My Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message of Numbers 14:9 resonates deeply with believers today, offering a powerful antidote to fear and doubt in a world full of challenges. Just as Israel faced formidable giants and fortified cities, we often encounter "giants" in our lives—overwhelming circumstances, daunting tasks, spiritual battles, or societal pressures that threaten to paralyze us with fear. Caleb and Joshua's unwavering faith reminds us that our perspective must shift from the size of the problem to the greatness of our God. When we are tempted to rebel against God's calling or retreat from His purposes due to fear, this verse calls us to remember that if the LORD is with us, our adversaries are disarmed, their "defence is departed." Our spiritual enemies, though real, are ultimately "bread for us" in the sense that God has already secured the victory through Christ. Our task is not to generate courage from within, but to receive it by trusting in His unfailing presence and power, stepping out in obedience even when the odds seem stacked against us. This verse is a timeless call to embrace a faith that sees God's provision and victory where human eyes see only insurmountable obstacles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you currently facing that are tempting you to fear or rebel against God's leading?**
* **How might you reframe your perspective on these challenges, seeing them as "bread for us" in light of God's presence?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's "defence" departing from your adversaries, whether spiritual or practical, in your own life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper awareness of "the LORD is with us" in your daily walk, especially when fear arises?**

### FAQ

**What does "they are bread for us" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "they are bread for us" (Hebrew: _lekhem_) is a powerful metaphor, not to be taken literally. It means that conquering the inhabitants of Canaan would be as easy and satisfying as consuming a meal. It conveys the idea of an effortless victory and ready provision, emphasizing the enemy's utter vulnerability when God is on Israel's side. This stands in direct contrast to the fearful report of the other spies, who claimed the Canaanites would "devour" Israel ([Numbers 13:32](/numbers/13-32 "Numbers 13:32 - The Spies' Fearful Report")). Caleb and Joshua are asserting that, with God's help, Israel will easily overcome their enemies.

**How does "their defence is departed from them" relate to God's sovereignty?**

Answer: This phrase signifies that God, in His sovereign power, has supernaturally removed any protection, strength, or divine favor from the Canaanites. In ancient Near Eastern thought, "defence" (Hebrew: _tsel_, meaning "shade" or "shadow") often implied protection, including divine protection. Thus, its departure means they are exposed and vulnerable. This highlights God's absolute control over nations and His ability to weaken even the most formidable adversaries when they stand against His purposes for His people. It underscores that the outcome of battles is ultimately determined by God's will, not by human might or fortifications.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 14:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's presence "with us" and the one who has disarmed all spiritual adversaries. Just as Caleb and Joshua urged Israel not to fear human enemies because the LORD was with them, so believers today are called not to fear the spiritual powers of darkness, for Christ has already triumphed over them. The "bread for us" metaphor, signifying easy victory over enemies, is profoundly fulfilled in Christ, who declared Himself the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), sustaining us and enabling us to overcome. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has stripped the "defence" from Satan and his forces, rendering them powerless against those who are in Him. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities") declares that Christ "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." Our ultimate enemy, death, has lost its sting through Christ's victory ([1 Corinthians 15:55-57](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55-57 - Victory Over Death")). Therefore, the assurance "the LORD is with us" finds its pinnacle in Immanuel, God with us ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel Prophecy")), and in Jesus' promise to be with His disciples "always, to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). Because Christ has conquered, we are more than conquerors ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")) and need not fear, for our spiritual adversaries are indeed "bread for us" in the context of His finished work.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 7:18

Thou shalt not be afraid of them: [but] shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

2 Chronicles 20:17

Ye shall not [need] to fight in this [battle]: set yourselves, stand ye [still], and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD [will be] with you.

2 Chronicles 32:8

With him [is] an arm of flesh; but with us [is] the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Numbers 24:8

God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce [them] through with his arrows.

Deuteronomy 31:8

And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.